Marshall Of Rock

I had the pleasure to talk to the multi-talent Billy Sherwood today and it was some great conversation. Billy is a man of incredible talent, with a true and passionate love of music. A master musician, award winning producer, mixer and engineer, Billy has worked with an A to Z list of legendary rock artists in every facet of the music business. I caught up with Billy while on his way to rehearsal with legendary art rock band Nektar, as the other guys were in his rear-view mirror as we spoke. We touched on Billy's involvement with Nektar and their only 2012 gig tomorrow night (Sept. 6) at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California. We also talked about one of his other projects, The Prog Collective, his over 20 year involvement with the band Yes, his rock production work on many rock tribute albums, including a new one for Supertramp called 'Songs of the Century: An All-Star Tribute To Supertramp'. Billy also talked about his production/engineering work with a wide range of artists, inlcuding Paul Rodgers, Dangerous Toys, and Motorhead, sharing an interesting story about recording with Lemmy at the on-set of the Los Angeles riots that you've got to hear. Add to that his take on the current state of the music industry, what created his passion for music in general and what iconic entertainment figure was his Godfather, and it makes for some interesting music conversation. Check it out below:

Check out www.billysherwoodhq.com and www.circahq.com or visit his facebook page here for everything about Billy and his music

Special thanks to Deborah Brousseau of Spinner PR

Here's the official press release for Nektar with all the info and links on tomorrow night's show. Get tickets and check it out if you're in the area!:

Los Angeles, CA…On September 6th, legendary art rock outfit Nektar will be performing its only 2012 U.S. concert at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA.  Nektar’s renowned big sound and epic live performance in an intimate setting makes this a can’t-miss show.

Though comprised of four Englishmen, Nektar formed in Germany in 1969, and earned a cult following for its psychedelic, spacey approach.  In the mid-1970s, Nektar attracted attention and a growing fanbase in America with several concept albums and a uniquely visual live show.  The band continues to perform today to a fervent and developing audience, and remains an influence for “space rock” artists around the world.

Nektar is featured in the August 14 Cleopatra DVD release, SPACE ROCK INVASION, a live show taped in Los Angeles, and is releasing SPOONFUL OF TIME (September 11 via Cleopatra), an incredible collection of classic rock covers re-imagined with the help of members of Yes, King Crimson, Symphony X, Opeth, Marillion, Asia, The Moody Blues, Dream Theater, Tangerine Dream and more.

An added treat, multi-talented musician Billy Sherwood will be debuting as bass player with Nektar.  Sherwood has played in Yes (and several of its reconfigurations), Yoso, Toto, Circa, World Trade and others.  As a producer, mixer and engineer, he’s spearheaded THE PROG COLLECTIVE, and contributed to recordings by Yes, Motorhead, Paul Rodgers, Dangerous Toys and all-star tribute albums to artists such as Queen, AC/DC, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.  He will also be producing and playing bass on the new Nektar album of original songs, recording this fall.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, CA.  Tickets for Nektar are $15 and can be purchased in advance by calling 949.496.8930 or at http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/147983.  Doors are at 6pm, show starts at 8pm with Sixstep.  This is an all-ages event.

'The Prog Collective' was mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Yngwie Malmsteen, Halford, Lita Ford, Adrenaline Mob, Armored Saint, Sepultura)

'The Prog Collective' Track list and players:

1. The Laws Of Nature: John Wetton Lead Vocals / Tony Levin Stick & Bass / Jerry Goodman Violins / Billy Sherwood Backing Vocals, Drums, Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitars
2. Over Again: Richard Page Lead Vocals / Geoff Downes Keyboard Solos / Billy Sherwood Backing Vocals, Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitars
3. The Technical Divide: Alan Parsons Lead Vocals / Chris Squire Bass / David Sancious KeyboardSolos / Gary Green Lead Guitar / Billy Sherwood Backing Vocals, Drums, Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitars
4. Social Circles: Annie Haslam Lead Vocals / Peter Banks Lead Guitar / Billy Sherwood Backing Vocals, Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Electric and Acoustic Guitars
5. Buried Beneath: Billy Sherwood Lead & Backing Vocals, Bass, Drums & Acoustic Guitars / Larry Fast Keyboards / Steve Hillage Electric Guitars
6. Following The Signs: John Wesley Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar / Tony Kaye Hammond Organ & Keyboards / Billy Sherwood Backing Vocals, Bass, Drums, Electric & Acoustic Guitars
7. Check Point Karma: Colin Moulding Lead Vocals / Rick Wakeman Keyboard Solos / Billy Sherwood Backing Vocals, Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitars

'Songs of the Century: An All Star Tribute to Supertramp' Track List:
1. Breakfast In America - John Wetton (Asia) & Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel)
2. Take The Long Way Home - John Wesley (Porcupine Tree)
3. The Logical Song - Mickey Thomas (Starship), Steve Morse (Deep Purple) & Tony Kaye (Yes)
4. Give A Little Bit - Richard Page (Mr. Mister) & Peter Banks (Yes)
5. It's Raining Again - Colin Moulding (XTC) & Geoff Downes (Yes/Asia)
6. Crime Of The Century - Billy Sherwood (Yes), Rick Wakeman (Yes) & Tony Levin (King Crimson)
7. Dreamer - Annie Haslam (Renaissance) & David Sancious (Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band)
8. Goodbye Stranger - Billy Sherwood (Yes), Gary Green (Gentle Giant) & Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater)
9. Rudy - Roye Albrighton (Nektar) & Steve Porcaro (Toto)
10. Bloody Well Right - Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow) & Dave Kerzner
11. School - Rod Argent (The Zombies) & Robby Krieger (The Doors)

BONUS ORIGINAL TRACK
12. Let The World Revolve - Chris Squire (Yes) & Tony Kaye (Yes)

Here's the rendition of Give A Little Bit' from the album: http://soundcloud.com/brosseaupr/give-a-little-bit-songs-of-the/s-zmIbk

Here's a video documenting and celebrating Cleopatra Records 20th Anniversary, with plenty of commentary from Billy in his studio. For more info or to purchase any of their releases, check out Cleopatra Records at www.cleorecs.com

Some of the biggest names in rock contribute to a very special collection being released by Cleopatra Records on August 14th, 'Songs Of The Century: An All-Star Tribute To Supertramp.' The record features members of Asia, Yes, King Crimson, The Doors, Deep Purple, XTC, Toto, Mr. Mister, Dream Theater, Nektar, Porcupine Tree, Gentle Giant, Renaissance, and Rainbow.

Supertramp formed in 1970 in the U.K. While initially considered a progressive rock outfit, the incredible songwriting of Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies, coupled with Hodgson’s unmistakable voice, moved the group into the pop and rock stratosphere by the 1980's. They amazingly straddled the line between expansive prog and commercial radio with unforgettable melodies, sing-along lyrics, a wizard-like Wurlizer, and the accent of the saxophone. They sold more than 60 million records, and hit singles from 'Crime of the Century,' 'Even In the Quietest Moments,' and 'Breakfast In America' are still played on radio stations, used in advertising, and etched in minds.

The recognizable and beloved Supertramp hit songs are reenvisioned on 'Songs Of The Century,' including 'The Logical Song,' 'Take The Long Way Home,' and 'Goodbye Stranger,' plus takes on gems like 'Rudy' and 'It’s Raining Again.' Producer Billy Sherwood enthuses, “There are some cool, unique moments like Annie Haslam singing “Dreamer” and one of the other highlights for me is Rick Wakeman’s piano playing on “Crime of the Century.” And Joe Lynn Turner singing “Bloody Well Right” is just killer.”” Richard Page offers a delightful version of “Give A Little Bit” that exudes all the sweet charm of the original. The bonus track is a new piece from Chris Squire and Tony Kaye of Yes.

The studio guest list also included John Wetton, Tony Levin, Robby Krieger, Colin Moulding, Steve Morse, Steve Porcaro, Roye Albrighton, Peter Banks, David Sancious, Gary Green, John Wesley, Geoff Downes, Jordan Rudess, Rod Argent, Mickey Thomas and more.

Explains Brian Perera, President of Cleopatra Records, “Supertramp is pretty inactive, and there’s a fan base out there that is just hungry for more Supertramp, and nobody can give it to them.”

Sherwood (the producer of the groundbreaking Pink Floyd tribute albums 'Back Against The Wall' and 'Return To The Dark Side Of The Moon,' as well as supergroup The Prog Collective) was very pleased to be asked to oversee the task of celebrating Supertramp. He says, “Supertramp is a great band. They’ve written so many hits that you can’t even count them all. “

Track List:
1. Breakfast In America - John Wetton (Asia) & Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel)
2. Take The Long Way Home - John Wesley (Porcupine Tree)
3. The Logical Song - Mickey Thomas (Starship), Steve Morse (Deep Purple) & Tony Kaye (Yes)
4. Give A Little Bit - Richard Page (Mr. Mister) & Peter Banks (Yes)
5. It's Raining Again - Colin Moulding (XTC) & Geoff Downes (Yes/Asia)
6. Crime Of The Century - Billy Sherwood (Yes), Rick Wakeman (Yes) & Tony Levin (King Crimson)
7. Dreamer - Annie Haslam (Renaissance) & David Sancious (Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band)
8. Goodbye Stranger - Billy Sherwood (Yes), Gary Green (Gentle Giant) & Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater)
9. Rudy - Roye Albrighton (Nektar) & Steve Porcaro (Toto)
10. Bloody Well Right - Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow) & Dave Kerzner
11. School - Rod Argent (The Zombies) & Robby Krieger (The Doors)

BONUS ORIGINAL TRACK
12. Let The World Revolve - Chris Squire (Yes) & Tony Kaye (Yes)

Check out the MP3 stream of 'Give a Little Bit' here: www.soundcloud.com